1100.2 - Statistics Victoria (Newsletter), Dec 2006  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 25/01/2007   
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In this issue

Regional Director's message
Leadership handover - Statistical Coordination Branch
Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum
Proven value of ABS outpostings
Service Industry Survey development in April 2007
NDN update: Child and Youth Portal
State and Regional Indicators, Victoria
National Regional Profile
Births
Deaths
Divorces
Prisoners
Water Account
Regional Water Use
Water entitlements
Australia's Environment
Natural Resource Management on Farms
Private Health Insurance
Asthma
Injury
Characteristics of Exporters
Labour Mobility
Household Use of IT
Mining
Travel Agencies
Motor Vehicle Census
Information papers, research papers and classifications
Other selected releases
ABS statistical training and information seminars
Points of contact


What's happening in Victoria

A Message from the Regional Director

Welcome to the first issue of Statistics Victoria for 2007. We look forward to another successful year assisting in development and provision of the best set of statistics for the Victorian community.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the cooperation which ABS receives from Victorian state and local government officials as well as the Victorian community generally.

This cooperation was particularly well illustrated by the level of support we received in undertaking the Population Census last year. We expect to be able to provide the first round of results by the middle of 2007.

In the meantime, we will be conducting a number of information sessions and presentations throughout Victoria which will provide more information on how you can get access to and use 2006 Census data. More details are contained in this newsletter.

Finally I would like to thank Joseph Salvatore for his support over the last six years and welcome Marie Apostolou to the Victorian Statistical Coordination Branch.

Vince Lazzaro
Regional Director
Australian Bureau of Statistics

Image: Vince Lazzaro (ABS Victoria Regional Director) and Marie Apostolou (Director, Statistical Coordination Branch) check the first issue of 'Statistics Victoria' for 2007

Caption: Vince Lazzaro (ABS Victoria Regional Director) and Marie Apostolou (Director, Statistical Coordination Branch) check the first issue of 'Statistics Victoria' for 2007.



Leadership handover in ABS Victoria Statistical Coordination Branch

After nearly six years in Statistical Coordination Branch, Joseph Salvatore is off to lead the Business Register Unit in ABS's Melbourne office. He has enjoyed working with state government colleagues, and been consistently impressed with the professionalism and knowledge displayed by Victorian State Government officials.

From January 2007, Marie Apostolou will act in the Director's role. Marie has an academic background in economics, business law and statistics at Melbourne and LaTrobe Universities. Her honours thesis addressed modelling long-term unemployment. She worked for CSIRO and DEETYA, before joining ABS in 1994. She has worked in ABS's Information Consultancy, Business Register Unit, Service Industries Surveys and other areas.

Marie is very much looking forward to heading up Statistical Coordination. She becomes one of the key faces with whom Victoria government agencies, especially, will become very familiar. In the immediate period, she is keen to meet people and build on past work done by Joseph and others in developing strong and collaborative relationships with Victorian agencies. She looks forward to meeting many key users in agencies over the months ahead.

Marie Apostolou can be contacted on Melbourne (03) 9615 7500 or email <marie.apostolou@abs.gov.au>.

Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum meeting of 6 December 2006

The Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum (VSAF) held its final meeting for 2006 on 5 December. Key items for discussion included a Victorian Government Population Projections paper and the 2007 Victorian State Statistical Priorities paper. The second half of the meeting covered two presentations: a progress report on Growing Victoria Together (GVT) indicators and iPlace (a support tool for Place Based Management).

Mr Vin Martin, Chair of VSAF and Victorian Government representative on the Australian Statistics Advisory Council (ASAC) provided members with an overview of issues discussed at the last ASAC meeting (28 November). Issues included concern over the dwindling focus in universities on statistical training, development of a Standard Business Reporting system to enable businesses to meet a range of government reporting requirements, and an overview of ABS's forward work program.

Mr Vince Lazzaro, Regional Director of ABS's Victorian Office, provided an update on recent ABS activity. He noted the processing of the 2006 Census of Population and Housing was proceeding according to schedule, with first release data due July 2007.

Mr Joseph Salvatore, Director of ABS Victoria's Statistical Coordination branch, then led a discussion of 2007 State Statistical Priorities. This concluded with an agreement by members to establish a working group which will discuss and further evaluate Victoria's new and emerging priorities, prior to the February State Statistical Forum.

Mr John Hanna and Mr Jeremy Reynolds (DSE) reported back to members on the VSAF working group report on Population Projections. The working group was established in recognition of the increasing demand for population projections, and the need to ensure that there is a single, authorised set of population projections that are able to meet diverse departmental requirements.

The second half of the meeting included two presentations: Ms Sabdha Charlton (Implementation Unit, DPC) reported on progress against the Growing Victoria Together indicators. Ms Hylkia DeGreve (DPC) then followed with a demonstration of the iPlace website, which aims to be a support tool for place based management.

For further information on VSAF contact Antonella Caruso, Assistant Director, Statistical Coordination Branch on Melbourne (03) 9615-7860 or email <antonella.caruso@abs.gov.au>.
Proven value of ABS outpostings

The need for statistical data and expertise continues to grow as more emphasis is placed on evidence based policy development and evaluation. The outposted officer is one of the best ways ABS has to provide statistical support to State agencies and other organisations. This service is tailored to the agency 's particular needs. Outpostings have been part of ABS Victoria's data and service provision role to State agencies for several decades.

At present, there are ABS Victorian outposted officers located in Departments of Premier and Cabinet (DPC), Treasury and Finance (DTF), Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Primary Industries (DPI). There are also outposted officers to the Commonwealth's Productivity Commission (Melbourne head office); McCaughey Centre, University of Melbourne (assisting with Victorian Community Indicators); and negotiations with the Department for Victorian Communities (DVC) are under way.

Outpostings are shaped to meet particular host agency needs. An ABS outposting may assist with a particular statistical project or issue, and occur for a short period of 3-6 months. The officer's work could involve assisting with specific survey and questionnaire design, or locating ABS data and related sources. Many outpostings have diverse and longer-term purposes, and may provide a conduit for varied data requests.

Outpostings over the years have assisted ABS to better understand the needs and strategic environment of State agencies. This has brought positive results to how ABS's national work program caters for State government needs. Outpostings have helped bring ABS Victoria closer to many State agencies. In an era when ABS is placing greater emphasis on acquiring and confidentialising administrative data for statistical outputs, outpostings can assist in harnessing a wider range of sub-State level data.

Diverse services flow from ABS outpostings. Christine Kilmartin is a senior policy officer at DSE, where an ABS outposting is presently located. She has wide experience of using ABS and other data in policy development, and actively ensuring that the statistical needs of State agencies are met. She notes that, "A well-oiled ABS outposting adds considerable value to the way in which departments can arrive at an evidence base for their policy and program development. It also helps a department interpret data correctly, find that elusive statistic, link its own people together in thematic discussion, analyse complex trends ....and be responsive to those rushed demands from on high. In addition, it provides a feedback into ABS about the day-to-day workings of departments and new knowledge horizons emerging from paper-heavy desks".

Christine provides some valuable thoughts on how the ABS outposting system might be further developed. She says, "The difficulty of having an ABS outposted officer is that they soon become known - and stretched. There may be no way around that, but a succession system which helps train the next generation of ABS outposted officers, by allowing them to work alongside those who now perform this several-handed task majestically, will go some way to making sure that departmental needs are well met by this excellent ABS service. There is no getting away from the fact that job specifications for ABS outpostings need to include words such as versatile, able to talk with people, experienced in a wide range of ABS areas and operations, and just plain hard-working".

Vin Martin is chairperson of the Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum, which comprises senior representatives of all Victorian Government departments. Vin has noted, "Outposted officers are the public face of ABS in Victorian Government departments. Outposted officers add considerable value in proactively anticipating data needs of departments, providing unique on-the-job training to support the proper use and interpretation of statistics by departmental analysts, and contributing innovative advice on the best ways to present information".


For further information about ABS outpostings contact Marie Apostolou, Director, Statistical Coordination Branch, (03) 9615 7500; <marie.apostolou@abs.gov.au>.

Service Industry Survey development commences April 2007

ABS is planning to conduct surveys on pubs, taverns and bars; clubs (hospitality); public libraries; museums; and legal practices in respect of 2007-08 financial year. The Service Industry National Statistics Centre (SI-NSC) will commence consultation with relevant stakeholders in April 2007. The aim of stakeholder consultation is to develop a common understanding between ABS and key clients of each survey's purpose, and survey requirements relative to this purpose (priority). That is, identify and prioritise the content, accuracy, and scope; and explore significant issues that could impact on survey development, implementation or output.

To identify relevant stakeholders for consultation in the broad development phase, the SI-NSC will contact those organisations that made relevant submissions to the 2005 Service Industry Survey Forward Work Program review. If you did not make a review submission, but would still like to be included in development of any of these surveys or want further information, please contact Gabrielle Robbie, Acting Director, SI-NSC in Canberra on (02) 6252 6133 or email <gabrielle.robbie@abs.gov.au>.
National Data Network update: Child and Youth portal

The National Data Network (NDN) is being developed by ABS on behalf of a consortium
of agencies to provide trusted infrastructure for sharing data and associated tools and services, relevant to policy and research across sectors and jurisdictions. The NDN is a federated system of data access which does not involve any change of custodianship of data holdings.

The NDN is currently in demonstration phase with a small number of participating agencies. As part of NDN development, a number of pilot projects are being initiated to demonstrate network functionality. The development of a Children and Youth portal is the first pilot project underway. The portal will provide:
  • pathways to statistical data and reports;
  • facilities to search for other information resources; and
  • discussion forums.

Children and Youth portal development will occur in three phases. Phase 1 will establish the infrastructure, phase 2 will focus on acquiring a range of data relevant to Children and Youth, and phase 3 will release the portal for custodian and user communities. Further details on project phases will be released regularly through the NDN newsletter and web site <www.nationaldatanetwork.org>.

Agencies interested in participating can contact Lorraine Cornehls on Canberra (02) 6252 6079 or email <lorraine.cornehls@abs.gov.au>. For further information about NDN please contact the NDN Business Office at <inquiries@nationaldatanetwork.org>.

State and Regional Indicators, Victoria

A quarterly publication that contains recently released statistical information about the whole of Victoria. Data is sourced from ABS and non-ABS collections; and provides economic, social and environment measures. Data is presented for varying levels of geography, including: Victoria; Melbourne and Balance of Victoria; and down to Local Government Area for some series. The publication's aim is to enable comparison over time and between regions.

Core data, such as estimated resident population, state final demand, labour force statistics, price indexes, building approvals, air quality, and water storage volume is complemented by periodic annual data; including the condition of main roads, recorded crime offences, life expectancy at birth, government owned housing stock and other datasets. 'Trends in Fertility' was the feature article in September quarter's 2006 SRIV (released 26 Oct, 2006). In 2004, the total fertility rate for Balance of Victoria was 1.9 babies per woman, while Melbourne had 1.6 babies per woman.

Graph: Total Fertility Rate, Metropolitan Melbourne and Balance of Victoria

For these and other Victorian statistics see ‘State and Regional Indicators, Victoria’ (cat. no. 1367.2). Contact Christine Sergi on Melbourne (03) 9615 7695 or email <c.sergi@abs.gov.au>.

Selected recent releases

1379.0.55.001 National Regional Profile, 2000-2004. Released 20/11/2006.

The National Regional Profile (NRP) presents a brief statistical summary of key economic and social information for various levels of geography. It includes data from a variety of ABS and non-ABS sources. Broad indicators include estimated resident population, some Census data, births, deaths, unemployment, income support customers, taxable income, building approvals, motor vehicle sales and agriculture. The NRP will assist users of regional statistics to understand the broad composition and structure of a region, and enable comparison across regions of Australia. It's available for most Statistical Local Areas, Local Government Areas, Statistical Subdivisions, Statistical Divisions, states/territories, and Australia.

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>.

3301.0 Births, Australia, 2005. Released 17/10/2006.

In 2005, there were 259,800 births registered in Australia: 5,500 (2.2%) more than in 2004, and the highest since 1993 (260,200). Australia's 2005 total fertility rate (TFR) was 1.81 babies per woman, the highest since 1995 (1.82). Women aged 30-34 years experienced the highest fertility of all age groups for the sixth consecutive year, at 117.5 babies per 1,000 women. Women aged 35-39 years had 60.6 babies per 1,000 women, the highest rate since 1962 and above that of women aged 20-24 years for the second consecutive year. Women aged 25-29 years had 103.0 babies per 1,000 women. At national level, fertility of teenagers and women 20-24 years continued to decline, although teenage fertility has increased in some states and territories.

The median age of all mothers who gave birth in 2005 was 30.7 years, 3.4 years older than mothers in 1985 (27.3 years). The median age of all fathers was 32.9 years, 2.8 years older than fathers in 1985 (30.1 years). Some 68% of births were to parents in a registered marriage, compared to 85% in 1985. The 2005 issue also contains a new time series of births and fertility data for states/territories, statistical divisions, statistical local areas, and local government areas.
Contact Olivia Agius on Canberra (02) 6252 5862 or email <olivia.agius@abs.gov.au>.

3302.0 Deaths, Australia, 2005. Released 30/11/2006.   

There were 130,700 deaths registered in Australia during 2005, approximately 1,800 (1.4%) less than registered in 2004 (132,500). The 2005 standardised death rate (6.0 deaths per 1,000 population) was the lowest on record, slightly lower than 2004 (6.3) and down 38.8% from 1985 (9.8). Over the past 20 years, there has been a decline in death rates for all states and territories. The highest 2005 death rate was in the Northern Territory (8.6), while the lowest was in the Australian Capital Territory (5.6). Over the past 20 years, life expectancy has improved by 6.1 years for males and 4.5 years for females. A boy born during 2003-2005 can expect to live 78.5 years and a girl 83.3 years.

Contact Paul Lukong on Canberra (02) 6252 5997 or email <paul.lukong@abs.gov.au>.

3307.0.55.001 Divorces, Australia, 2005. Released 02/11/2006.

Australian divorces decreased 0.7%, from 52,747 in 2004 to 52,399 in 2005. There were 2.6 divorces per 1,000 population (crude divorce rate), down from 2.9 in 2001. 2005 presented the fourth annual decrease since a high of 55,330 in 2001. The 2005 median age at divorce was 43.5 years for males and 40.8 years for females. In 1985, it was 37.1 years for males and 34.4 years for females. The median duration of marriage to divorce in 2005 was 12.6 years. State level data is presented.

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>.

4517.0 Prisoners in Australia, 2006. Released 14/12/2006.

At 30 June 2006, the National Prisoner Census indicated there were 25,790 prisoners (sentenced and unsentenced) in Australian prisons, an increase of 2% (437 prisoners) from 30 June 2005. This is an imprisonment rate of 163 prisoners per 100,000 adult population.

Unsentenced prisoners comprised 22% (5,581) of total prisoner population, an increase of 9% (448 prisoners) since 30 June 2005. The offence/charge of acts intended to cause injury accounted for the highest proportion (18% or 4,630) of all prisoners. Of the total prisoner population, 7% (1,827) were female and 24% (6,091) were Indigenous. The median age of all prisoners was 33 years. Three quarters of the total prisoner population were located in New South Wales (38% or 9,822), Queensland (22% or 5,562) and Victoria (15% or 3,905). State and territory data is freely available through the ABS website.

Contact Marika Woodberry on Melbourne (03) 9615 7601 or email <crime.justice@abs.gov.au>.


4610.0 Water Account Australia 2004-05. Released 28/11/06.

Victoria consumed 4,993 GL of water in 2004-05, a decrease of 7% on 2000-01 (5,375 GL). Agriculture had the highest industry water consumption at 3,281 GL (66% of total water consumption), and was down 8% on 2000-01. Dairy farming led agricultural water use with 1,710 GL (52% of agricultural water), followed by pastures (other than for dairy) with 622 GL (19%), and grapes with 320 GL (10%). The gross value of 2004-05 irrigated agricultural production in Victoria ($2,677 million) was the highest of all States/Territories.

In 2005, Victorian household water consumption totalled 405 GL, or 8% of Victoria's water consumption, down from 464 GL in 2000-01. Household water consumption per capita (81 KL) and per household (209 KL) was lower in Victoria than any other State/Territory, and decreased 17% since 2000-01. At March 2004, 16% of Victorian households had rainwater tanks.

The Victorian water supply industry supplied 4,004 GL of distributed water, the largest volume in Australia. Irrigation/rural water providers supplied 2,810 GL or 70% of this volume. Distribution water losses were also higher in Victoria than any other State or Territory, at 774 GL or 19% of total supply. The majority of losses were from irrigation/rural water suppliers (663 GL). Approximately 130 GL of water was reused in Victoria, however this has decreased from 187 GL in 2000-01. Most of the decrease is in use of reuse water by the agriculture industry, from 165 GL in 2000-01 to 87 GL in 2004-05. Dairy consumed 76 GL of reuse water.

An increase in reuse of water was recorded by the water supply industry (used 15 GL) and other industries (22 GL), which includes parks, gardens and sports fields. No reuse water was reported as used by households. Manufacturing industry consumed 114 GL of water (2% of total water consumption), a small increase from 104 GL in 2000-01. The food, beverage and tobacco industry (37 GL) and wood and paper products industry (35 GL) were the largest users of water within manufacturing. The mining industry used 32 GL of water, mostly for coal mining (24 GL). The electricity and gas supply industry consumed 99 GL of water, mostly in coal-fired power stations. Almost 6,000 GL of water was used for hydro-electricity generation. However, this was considered in-stream use and not included in Victoria's water consumption total.

At 30 June 2005, there were 4,729 GL of water stored in large Victorian dams, which was 39% of total capacity. There were 25,514 water access entitlements in Victoria in 2004-05, with an entitlement volume of 6,680 GL. The highest number of permanent and temporary water trades were conducted in Victoria (702 and 9,323, respectively). Victoria also had the highest volume of water temporarily traded (444 GL). All water permanently traded interstate originated from Victoria (46 ML) and the largest volume of water temporarily traded also originated from Victoria (28.3 GL or 35%). Victoria did not receive any water through trades with other states. The Water Account was partly funded by the National Water Commission and forms parts of the Australian Water Resources 2005 project.

Contact Adam Sincock on Canberra (02) 6252 5436 or email <adam.sincock@abs.gov.au>.

4610.0.55.002 Experimental Estimates of Regional Water Use, Australia 2004-05. Released 14/12/2006.

Presents regional water use data on 117 individual water management areas and 51 groups of two or more water management areas, and documents the methodology used.


Contact John Ovington on Canberra (02) 6252 6854 or email < john.ovington@abs.gov.au>.


4610.0.55.003 Water Access Entitlements, Allocations and Trading, 2004-05. Released 13/10/2006. First Issue.

Presents data on the number of water access entitlements, volume of water allocated, and water trading in Australia during 2004-05. All data have been provided by the relevant Government agencies in each State and Territory, or obtained from publicly available sources. This is the first publication to collate and present this information for the whole of Australia and forms part of 'Water Account, Australia, 2004-05' (ABS Cat. No. 4610.0).

In 2004-05, there were 223,556 water access entitlements in Australia with a total entitlement volume of 29,831 GL. NSW had the highest number of water access entitlements in Australia, with 118,110 entitlements (53% of Australian entitlements); and the highest entitlement volume at 13,302 GL (45% of total entitlement volume). Surface water access accounted for 76,625 entitlements (34% of all water access entitlements) and 22,814 GL (or 76% of entitlement volume in Australia). Groundwater access accounted for 146,185 entitlements (65% of water access entitlements) and 6,998 GL (23% of water allocated in Australia). Victoria had 25,514 water access entitlements, covering an entitlement volume of 6,680,334 ML and allocated volume of 4,733,845 ML.

Contact Julie McKenzie on Canberra (02) 6252 5864 or email <julie.mckenzie@abs.gov.au>.

4613.0 Australia's Environment: Issues and Trends, 2006. Released 10/11/2006.

Presents a broad selection of environmental statistics and information which illustrate topical environmental issues. While ABS data forms a core component, data from other government agencies, international organisations, industry, and individual researchers are also included. It features an article on solid waste in Australia, and contains some Victoria specific data and references. It has been estimated that in Australia during 2006, there were around 1.6 million computers disposed of in landfill, another 1.8 million in storage (in addition to the 5.3 million already gathering dust in garages and other storage areas) and half a million recycled. Electronic waste, or e-waste, is estimated to be growing at more than three times the rate of general municipal waste.

Contact Robyn Elphinstone on Canberra (02) 6252 5502 or email <robyn.elphinstone@abs.gov.au>.

4620.0 Natural Resource Management on Australian Farms 2004-05. Released 12/10/2006.

This 2004-05 survey was the first ABS dedicated Natural Resource Management (NRM) survey. The survey asked farmers questions relating to NRM issues on their land; and activities undertaken to manage concerns with weeds, pests, water, land and soil, and native vegetation. Data is presented at national, state/territory and regional (Natural Heritage Trust 2) levels; and by industry.


In 2004-05, Australian farmers spent $3.3 billion on natural resource management, a third of which related to weed management. The majority (92%) of agricultural establishments undertook NRM activities.

Contact Ron Just on Hobart (03) 6222 5842 or email <ron.just@abs.gov.au>.

4815.0.55.001 Private Health Insurance: A Snapshot, 2004-05. Released 22/11/2006.

Presents a brief overview of the Australian population's level and type of private health insurance cover, by population and health characteristics. At 30 June 2006, private health insurance was offered by 38 registered health insurers, giving a voluntary option to all Australians for private funding of hospital and ancillary health treatment. In the 2004-05 National Health Survey, 51% of Australians aged 15 years and over reported having private health insurance, 47% had hospital cover (with or without ancillary cover) and 41% had ancillary cover (with or without hospital cover). In 2004-05, the highest level of private health insurance coverage was in the 45-64 years group (around 61%), while the lowest (41%) was in the 25-34 year and 75 and over groups. Some 23% of lowest income quintile persons had private health insurance, compared with 76% in the highest income quintile.

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>.

4819.0.55.001 Asthma in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05. Released 13/10/2006.

Presents a brief overview of the prevalence, health status, and other characteristics of people with asthma. In 2004-05, there were approximately 2 million (10%) people in Australia who reported asthma as a current long term condition. Asthma prevalence peaked at a much earlier age for males (10-14 years) than for females (20-24 years). Of children aged 0-14 years, boys were more likely to have asthma than girls (13% compared with 10%). After 15 years of age, females were more likely than males to report having asthma (12% of females compared with 8% of males). Some 55% of people with asthma used pharmaceutical medications to prevent and/or relieve their asthma symptoms.

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>.

4825.0.55.001 Injury in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05. Released 13/10/2006.

Provides a brief overview of the prevalence of recent injuries, with reference to events which resulted in injuries where medical treatment or some other form of action being taken. Risk factors, long term consequences of injury, hospitalisation, health system costs and mortality are also discussed. The 2004-05 National Health Survey found that 18% of the population (3.6 million persons) had sustained an injury in the previous four weeks. Persons aged 0-14 years (males 24%, females 25%) were most likely to sustain a recent injury, declining with age to 10% of those 65 and over. The most common events which led to an injury were cuts (28% of all events) and falls of one metre or less (21% of all events). One quarter (25%) of recently injured persons aged 15 and over were injured while working for an income.

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>.

5368.0.55.006 Number and Characteristics of Australian Exporters, 2005-06. Released 24/10/2006. First Issue.

There were 42,194 Australian exporters in 2005-06: 40,849 exporters of merchandise goods, and 2,513 exporters of services. An estimated 46% of export service businesses also exported merchandise goods. There were 216 goods exporters with aggregate exports of $100m or more, and although less than 1% of the total goods exporter population, they contributed 77% by value to total goods exports. In contrast, 67% of goods exporters contributed less than 1% by value to total goods exports.

The highest number of goods exporters were in wholesale trade 11,834 (29%) and manufacturing 10,358 (25%). The average value of exports per business was $3.7m. Mining had the highest average value of aggregate exports ($123.9m per exporter), followed by manufacturing ($4.5m), finance and insurance ($2.9m) and wholesale trade ($2.5m). The lowest average value occurred in health and community services, and cultural and recreational services, with approximately $0.2m per business. The total value of Australian goods exports was $152.4b, and total service exports $41.9b, totalling $194.3b.

In 2005-06, 31% of Australia's total goods exports came from Western Australia, followed by Queensland (23%), New South Wales (18%) and Victoria (12%). Western Australia ($26.9b) and Queensland ($20.5b) had combined mining exports of $47.3b, representing 79% of total mining industry exports. New South Wales ($11.9b) and Victoria ($9.9b) contributed 47% to total manufactured good export value. Some 9,984 goods exporters reported Victoria as their main location, and exported $18.9 bil worth of goods.

There were 2,513 service exporters. Some 26 service exporters with exports of $100m or more contributed 21% to total service export value, and 1,649 businesses (66%) had aggregate exports below $1m per business. The highest number of service exporters were other business services (1,719); royalties and licence fees (991); computer and information services (854); and personal, cultural and recreational services (698). Travel service exports worth $22.7b accounted for 54% of total service export, transportation services $8.3b (20%) and other business services $4.8b (12%)

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>.

6209.0 Labour Mobility, Feb 2006. Reissued 12/12/2006.

Of the 9.9 million people aged 15-69 years working at February 2006, 11.7% had changed their employer/business in their main job during the preceding 12 months, which was similar to previous years (11.7% in February 2004 and 11.4% in February 2002). Of the 1.2 million people aged 15 years and over who had changed employer/business in their main job during the previous 12 months: 24% had two or more changes of employer/business, 55% changed industry, 44% changed occupation, 75% changed usual hours worked, and 37% changed employment type.
Estimates can be cross-classified by demographics such as state, sex, age, marital status and country of birth, as well as labour force characteristics. About one in five workers started work with a new employer/business during the year.

Contact Catherine Toet on Canberra (02) 6252 7636 or email <c.toet@abs.gov.au>.

8146.0 Household Use of Information Technology, Australia, 2005-06. Released 15/12/2006.

In 2005-06, 60% of Australian households had home Internet access and 70% had access to a home computer. Of the 4.7 million households with home Internet access, 51% had dial-up access and 48% had broadband access. In the year, broadband Internet connected households almost doubled to 2.3 million households. The dominant broadband access technology (83% of households with broadband Internet connection) was Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). Some 92% of 2.7 million children 5 to 14 years used a computer, and 65% used the Internet. It contains state level data.

Contact Afroza Rahman on Canberra (02) 6252 6365 or email <afroza.rahman@abs.gov.au>.

8415.0 Mining Operations, Australia, 2004-05. Released 27/10/2006.

The annual Economic Activity Survey provided estimates of Australian mining industry performance for 2004-05, together with data from 2001-02 and intervening years. The Australian mining industry showed significant growth in 2004-05 compared to 2003-04: sales and service income increased 18%; industry value added increased 16%; and employment, wages and salaries increased 7%. The Minerals Council of Australia's 'Minerals Industry Survey Report, 2005' found that average US dollar world mineral prices rose by 33% in 2004-05.

In 2004-05, Australian export volumes and revenue increased for most minerals: black coal export earnings rose by 57%, iron ore 54%, and crude oil 25%. Higher average US dollar prices for uranium (up 49%), lead (38%), copper (35%), nickel (22%) and zinc (22%), contributed to increased export earnings. Sales and service income for total mining was $71.0b in 2004-05, an increase of $10.7b (18%) over the previous year. Sales and service income for oil and gas extraction increased by $2.0b (13%) to $17.8b, despite declining crude oil production. Iron ore mining recorded the largest percentage increase in sales and service income (35%, or $2.1b), with ABARE reporting a 17% increase in export volume.

At end June 2005, 93,100 persons were employed in Australian mining, an increase of 7% (or 6,100 persons) on June 2004. Mining paid $7.5b in wages and salaries, an increase of 7% (or $494m) on the previous year. State level data is present.

Contact John Ridley on Sydney (02) 9268 4541 or email <john.ridley@abs.gov.au>.

8653.0 Travel Agency Services, Australia, 2003-04. Released 27/10/2006.

At end June 2004, 2,640 Australian businesses' main activity was the provision of travel agency services. Travel product retailers (2,396) accounted for 90.8% of these businesses, of which 82.9% were mainly retailing travel products for leisure purposes. There were 119 wholesale businesses of travel products and 109 inbound tour operators. The remaining 16 businesses were ticket consolidators. Total income generated by travel agencies in 2003-04 was $2,108.9m, 91.8% of which was earned directly from the sale of travel products. The major contributor to travel product income was ticket sales of $1,822.7m.

Retail businesses accounted for 72.8% ($1,534.9m) of income generated by all travel agencies, followed by wholesalers/ticket consolidators (21.4% or $450.6m) and inbound tour operators (5.9% or $123.4m). Labour costs of $945.1m (53.2% of total expenses) were the largest single expenditure item for businesses, averaging $43,400 per employee. Travel agencies employed 22,609 persons ( 71.8% female). No state level data is present.

Contact Gabrielle Robbie on Canberra (02) 6252 6133 or email <gabrielle.robbie@abs.gov.au>.

9309.0 Motor Vehicle Census, Australia, 31 Mar 2006. Released 29/11/2006.   

There were 14.4 million motor vehicles, including motorcycles, registered in Australia at 31 March, 2006. This is an increase of 12.0% since the 2002 Motor Vehicle Census (MVC), when there were 12.8 million vehicles. Average annual growth over these four years was 2.9%.

The passenger vehicle fleet has grown from 10.1 million in 2002 to 11.2 million in 2006, an increase of 10.8%. Motorcycles (24.8%) and campervans (18.1%) showed the largest growth over the four years. Light commercial vehicles rose by 16.2%, rigid trucks 12.3% and articulated trucks 12.2%. Buses (7.4%) had the smallest growth. Victoria had 3.7 million registered vehicles (26.1% of total Australia).

In 2006, there were 699 motor vehicles per 1,000 resident population in Australia, compared with 654 vehicles in 2002, an increase of 45 vehicles per 1,000 residents. The average age of vehicles registered in Australia in 2006 was 10.1 years. Some 11.2 million Australian vehicles (78.1% of total vehicle fleet) used unleaded petrol, 1.5 million (10.6%) diesel fuel, and 1.3 million (9.0%) leaded petrol. Motorcycles accounted for 3.2% of all vehicles, up slightly from 2.9% in 2002.

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>.


Information papers, research papers and classifications


2901.0 ABS Census Dictionary.
Released 27/11/2006.

The reissue of ABS's Census Dictionary (2901.0) provides a strong resource to Victorian policy analysts and researchers seeking to work out their Census 2006 data requirements. The five-yearly Census of Population and Housing offers an excellent, detailed picture of the Australian community in all its diversity. A new part of the Census Dictionary concerns managing census quality. Topics covered in this section include respondent error, processing error, undercount, quality assurance of Census products, and where to find data quality information.

The What's New for 2006 section advises on new topics, classifications and changed or deleted variables. The 2006 Census Classifications section describes standard output variables for which data can be produced, and is an essential resource for users who wish to specify tables customised to their specific needs, or to derive their own data from the Census web site.

The dictionary finishes off with a comprehensive glossary of terms and a full copy 2006 Census household form. The dictionary can be easily accessed and downloaded free from the ABS website (www.abs.gov.au). It will provide Victorian government users with a comprehensive guide to making full and accurate use of 2006 Census data, as well as Census time series data over a longer stretch.

Contact the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070 or email <client.services@abs.gov.au>.


3127.0.55.001 Information Paper: Evaluation of Administrative Data Sources for Use in Quarterly Estimation of Interstate Migration, 2006 to 2011.
Released 16/10/2006. First Issue.

This report has seven sections covering potential data sources: Medicare Australia data; taxation data; Australia Post data; school enrolment data; driver licence data; Australian electoral roll data; and electricity connections data. This report concluded that Medicare Australia data remains the best source for use in quarterly interstate migration estimates.

Contact Georgia Mitchell on Canberra (02) 6252 7185 or email <georgia.mitchell@abs.gov.au>.


5204.0.55.003 Information Paper: Implementing New Estimates of Hours Worked into the Australian National Accounts, 2006.
Released 01/11/2006.

This paper describes both previous and new methods for estimating hours worked; and gives an overview of the effect of change on the hours worked index, level of hours worked and related productivity indexes. Hours worked indexes published in the national accounts are important indicators in their own right, as well as being fundamental building blocks required to estimate indexes of labour productivity and multifactor productivity that occur annually in the 'Australian System of National Accounts' (cat. no. 5204.0).

Contact Terry Rawnsley on Canberra (02) 6252 6711 or email <terry.rawnsley@abs.gov.au>.


6463.0 Analytical Living Cost Indexes for Selected Australian Household Types, June 2006.
Released 24/11/2006.  First Issue

These price indexes cover from June qtr 1998 to June qtr 2006. They measure the impact of price changes on out-of-pocket living costs experienced by four types of Australian households: employee, age pensioner, other government transfer recipient, and self-funded retiree. These groups account for just over 90% of Australian households. These indexes are particularly suited for assessing whether the disposable incomes of households have kept pace with price changes.

Over four quarters from June 2005 to June 2006, changes in living costs ranged from a low of 4.5% (employee households) to a high of 5.0% (age pensioner), while the CPI rose by 4.0%. Over the eight years covered by these indexes, changes in living costs for each household type have tracked quite close to the CPI.

Contact Lee Taylor on Canberra (02) 6252 6251 or email <lee.taylor@abs.gov.au>.

1233.0.55.001 Information Paper: Changes on 1 January 2007 to Statistical Codes in the AHECC and the Customs Tariff, 2007. Released 17/11/2006

1351.0.55.016 Research Paper: Deriving Measures of Engagement in Secondary Education from the National Schools Statistics Collection, Dec 2006. Released 14/12/2006

1385.0 Information Paper: Emergency Management Information Development Plan, 2006. Released 31/10/2006

4907.0 Information Paper: Improving Statistics on Children and Youth - An Information Development Plan, 2006 Released 08/12/2006

6464.0 A Guide to House Price Indexes, 2006. Released 15/11/2006
Other selected releases

1001.0 Australian Bureau of Statistics - Annual Report, 2005-06. Released 11/10/2006

1200.0.55.001 Disability Variables, 2006. Released 03/10/2006

2033.2.55.001 Census of Population and Housing: Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), Victoria - Data Cube Only, 2001. Released 05/10/2006

3201.0 Population by Age and Sex, Australian States and Territories, Jun 2006. Released 13/12/2006

3302.0.55.001 Life Tables, Victoria, 2003 to 2005. Released 30/11/2006

3301.0 Births, Australia, 2005. Released 17/10/2006

3306.0.55.001 Marriages, Australia, 2005. Released 13/12/2006

4156.0 Sport and Recreation: A Statistical Overview, Australia, 2006 Edition 2. Released 10/11/2006

4183.0 Cultural Funding by Government, Australia, 2004-05 (Reissue). Released 26/10/2006

4512.0 Corrective Services, Australia, Sep 2006. Released 01/12/2006

4602.0 Environmental Issues: People's Views and Practices, Mar 2006. Released 21/11/2006

4834.0.55.001 Changes in Health: A snapshot, 2004-05. Released 13/12/2006

4835.0.55.001 Physical Activity in Australia: A Snapshot, 2004-05. Released 21/12/2006

4901.0 Children's Participation in Cultural and Leisure Activities, Australia, Apr 2006. Released 15/12/2006

4906.0.55.002 Personal Safety Survey, Australia, Expanded Confidentialised Unit Record File, Technical Manual, 2005. Released 05/12/2006

4913.0.55.001 Pregnancy and Employment Transitions, Australia, Expanded Confidentialised Unit Record File, Nov 2005. Released 06/11/2006

5202.0 Spotlight on National Accounts, 2006. Released 15/11/2006

5206.0 Australian National Accounts: National Income, Expenditure and Product, Sep 2006. Released 06/12/2006

5220.0 Australian National Accounts: State Accounts, 2005-06. Reissue. Released 13/11/2006

5501.0.55.001 Government Financial Estimates, Australia, 2006-07. Reissue. Released 08/11/2006

6227.0 Education and Work, Australia, May 2006. Released 13/12/2006

6324.0 Work-Related Injuries, Australia, 2005-06. Released 20/12/2006

8109.0 Research and Experimental Development, Government and Private Non-Profit Organisations, Australia, 2004-05. Released 06/10/2006

8112.0 Research and Experimental Development, All Sector Summary, Australia, 2004-05. Released 11/10/2006

8226.0 Electricity, Gas, Water and Sewerage Operations, Australia, 2004-05. Released 13/10/2006


Main Economic Indicators (MEIs)
. Also released during the past quarter were a number of monthly and quarterly MEIs which can be accessed from the ABS website home page <www.abs.gov.au>. Examples of MEIs include: housing finance, labour force, consumer price index and retail trade.


Free ABS publications online
. All ABS electronic publications from 1998 onwards are available free from <www.abs.gov.au>.


ABS statistical training and information seminars

ABS Victorian Office Training Program - January to December, 2007

Venue : 485 LaTrobe Street, Melbourne
Course costs: 1 Day $450.00, 2 Days $750.00


Basic Statistical Analysis
3 & 4 April and 5 & 6 September

This computer based course develops practical skills in summarising and displaying survey data in graphical and tabular form. It provides the tools for finding simple relationships in survey data and testing for statistically significant differences in past and current survey results.


Turning Data Into Information (TDII)
April 18 & 19 and August 14 & 15

This course develops skills in interpreting, displaying and communicating data clearly and effectively. Analytical thinking skills are developed to enable the transformation of data into meaningful written information.


Making Quality Informed Decisions
17 May & 16 October

This course introduces the concept of 'wholistic quality' through the use of data quality framework for a statistical collection. The framework ensures that users of statistics are able to assess whether the statistics are fit for their intended use. This course aims to provide a framework to evaluate the quality of available data sources and use this knowledge in the decision-making process.


Basic Survey Design
26 & 27 June and 21 & 22 November

This course aims to provide a broad overview of all facets of survey development. Topics include developing survey objectives, advantages and disadvantages of various collection methodologies, questionnaire design, data processing, reporting of results and management of the design process.


For further information go to the ABS website <www.abs.gov.au>. Select 'Services We Provide' then 'ABS Training' or contact Maxine McDermott on (03) 9615 7080 or email <vic.coordination@abs.gov.au>.


Census Information Sessions In Regional Victoria

During first half of 2007, ABS Victoria will be conducting free information sessions in regional centres and metropolitan Melbourne, to raise awareness about how ABS can assist regional organisations and individuals with their information needs. Whilst forthcoming 2006 Census output will be a major focus, sessions will be presented in the wider context of ABS's role and what's relevant to regional users. This includes statistical training, school services. website information and regional profiles.

Regional centres to be visited include: Ballarat (16/5), Bendigo (23/5), Churchill (near Morwell, 19/4), Geelong (3/4), Horsham (22-23/2), Mildura (29/5), Shepparton (31/5), Warrnambool (24/4), Wodonga (1/6). Metropolitan Melbourne sessions will include Frankston (28/3), Lilydale (29/3), Pakenham (20/3), Whittlesea (26/3) and Werribee (19/3).

For full details concerning actual venues and dates, please go to <www.abs.gov.au>, then Census Reference and Information, then 2006 Census, then Information sessions. Or contact Heather Burns on Melbourne (03) 9615 7535 or email <heather.burns@abs.gov.au>, or Robert Letheby on (03) 9615 7423 or email <robert.letheby@abs.gov.au>.
POINTS OF CONTACT

Victorian Statistics Advisory Forum (VSAF)

VSAF is a major forum for statistical liaison between Victorian Government Agencies and ABS. The following group of departmental representatives meet 3 times each year.

Departmental Representatives

VSAF Chair
Vin Martin
email <Vin.Martin@dtf.vic.gov.au>

Department of Treasury and Finance
Peter Fuhrmann
email <peter.fuhrmann@dtf.vic.gov.au>

Department of Premier and Cabinet
Jane Brockington
email <jane.brockington@dpc.vic.gov.au>

Office of the Chief Information Officer
Jane Treadwell
email <jane.treadwell@dpc.vic.gov.au>

Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development
Chris West
email <chris.west@iird.vic.gov.au>

Department of Education and Training
Ian Burrage
email <burrage.ian.n@edumail.vic.gov.au>

Department of Human Services
Dr Robert Brazenor
email <robert.brazenor@dhs.vic.gov.au>

Department of Justice
Dr Roslyn Kelleher
email <roslyn.kelleher@justice.vic.gov.au>

Department of Infrastructure
Philip Norman
email <philip.norman@doi.vic.gov.au>

Department for Victorian Communities
Dr David Adams
email <david.adams@dvc.vic.gov.au>

Information Victoria
Joanne Duffy
email <Joanne.Duffy@dvc.vic.gov.au>

Department of Sustainability and Environment
Jeremy Reynolds (a/g)
email <jeremy.reynolds@dse.vic.gov.au>

Department of Primary Industries
Bill Fisher
email <bill.fisher@dpi.vic.gov.au>

ABS Victoria
Vince Lazzaro
email <melissa.munce@abs.gov.au>

Contact points for ABS in Victoria

Dial-a-Statistic
1900 986 400 ($0.77 per minute)

National Information and Referral Service
1300 135 070
email <client.services@abs.gov.au>

Postal address
GPO Box 2796Y
Melbourne Vic 3001

ABS website
<www.abs.gov.au>

Regional Director
ABS Victoria
Vince Lazzaro
(03) 9615 7345
email <melissa.munce@abs.gov.au>

Statistical Coordination Branch
Director (a/g)
Marie Apostolou
(03) 9615 7500
email <marie.apostolou@abs.gov.au>.

Assistant Director
Antonella Caruso
(03) 9615 7860
email <antonella.caruso@abs.gov.au>

Assistant Director
Christine Sergi
(03) 9615 7695
email <c.sergi@abs.gov.au>

Statistics Victoria Editor
Alan Page
(03) 9615 7899
email <alan.page@abs.gov.au>


ABS encourages further dissemination of this newsletter through email, or by its placement on your organisation's intranet.

To subscribe to this newsletter contact Alan Page on (03) 9615 7899 or email <alan.page@abs.gov.au>.